Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana.
Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
These are just a few #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Painting Competition
March 11-15
New Iberia
You don’t have to be Picasso to appreciate Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Painting Competition. Whether you put your brush to the canvas or watch others paint, you’ll marvel at Acadiana’s bayou and oak-filled vistas. Participate in a community-wide paint out, shop fine art goods and see this year’s works at a special exhibition.
While you’re on the grounds of Shadows-on-the-Teche, make time for a tour. The historic home explores the lived experiences of formerly enslaved people, as well as the sugarcane industry’s impact on Louisiana.
Learn more about Iberia Parish.
Black Heritage Festival
March 13-16
Lake Charles
Black Heritage Festival celebrates the beauty of Southwest Louisiana’s dynamic Black and Afrodiasporic culture. Enjoy local food, dance and empowerment sessions, or kick back to the legendary sounds of zydeco, jazz, R&B and gospel.
Savor some spring sunshine at Sam Houston Jones State Park, where Bayou Adventure provides self-serve paddle rentals perfect for floating down the park’s many pine-dotted waterways.
Spring Market
March 13-15
Monroe
Indulge in a shopping extravaganza, complete with food trucks, adult beverages, live performances and dozens of Louisiana vendors, during the 27th annual Spring Market. General admission is $15, though you can upgrade your experience for extended time at the market, a preview party and special drink deals depending upon the day. Booths offer everything from luxurious bath products and handcrafted jewelry to new wardrobe favorites and must-have items for your kitchen.
Once you’ve filled your bags, head to Kiroli Park for an afternoon of shamrock-style fun with a bicycle parade and festival. Dress up to join the parade and decoration contest or watch the procession and enjoy green lemonade, games and crafts. In the evening, take in a performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire” (written by Tennessee Williams and inspired by his time living in New Orleans).
Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival
March 14-15
St. Martinville
Celebrate the heritage and culture of the Acadians — exiles who fled to Louisiana and laid the foundation of Cajun culture — during the two-day Acadian Memorial Heritage Festival. On Friday night, honor the Roy and Mouton Acadian families, then return Saturday for a day of fun for all ages. Activities include special presentations, live reenactments with antique wooden boats, interactive exhibits and plenty of food, drink and craft booths.
Set close to Lafayette, you’ll have numerous adventure opportunities to fill the rest of your weekend. Learn more about the Louisiana swamp and bayous with a boat tour through Cajun Country Swamp Tour or River of Swamps Boat Tours. Enjoy fishing, biking and hiking at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Or, explore the famous heat of Louisiana’s Tabasco hot sauce.
Amite Oyster Festival
March 14-16
Amite
Celebrate Louisiana’s pearl-studded crustaceans at the Amite Oyster Festival. Stomp your boots to live Cajun jams, attend an oyster gala, savor piping hot bowls of chili at a cookoff and, most importantly, eat lots of delicious oysters.
Find the perfect suds for your seafood at nearby Gnarly Barley, whose malty brews make sense of Louisiana’s hops. You’ll love the Catahoula Common, perfect for a sunny spring day.
Learn more about Tangipahoa Parish.
3rd Annual 318 Weekend
March 15-16
Shreveport
Consisting of a two-part festival, 318 Weekend is a celebration of Shreveport’s culture, community and creativity. Saturday kicks off the festivities with a special film screening at the Robinson Film Center and a free lineup of performances from artists like Ouro Boar, Chaynler Joie, GoDJ Yoshi and more. On Sunday, snag tickets for the family-friendly 318 Food Fest or the PurpleREIGN Fashion Show by local designer Latasha V. Henderson.
Continue the weekend fun by celebrating your Irish side (if only for the night) at Sweet Caroline’s St. Patty’s Day Party, where you can sip on Irish-themed drinks and special green suds. For a more tranquil atmosphere, head over to North Bossier Park. Stroll along the walking trails, break a sweat at the covered fitness area or watch the kids burn off excess energy at the covered playground.
Los Islenos Fiesta
March 15-16
St. Bernard
Spice up your weekend at the Los Isleños Fiesta, a joyous celebration of Canary Island heritage right in the heart of St. Bernard Parish. This lively festival offers delicious food, live music and vibrant cultural performances. From savory Spanish-inspired dishes to fascinating historical exhibits, there are dozens of ways to appreciate Louisiana's diverse heritages and cultures.
After a day of celebration, wind down at nearby St. Bernard State Park. Located on the Mississippi River, the park’s dense, shaded forests make for a gorgeous hike. Little ones will love exploring the playground, complete with a jungle gym and swing set.
Settler’s Day
March 15
Many
Travel back in time to 1820s Louisiana and experience pioneer life during Settler’s Day, hosted at Fort Jesup State Historic Site — an important military post for the former Neutral Strip. Spend the day watching military demonstrations and observing open-hearth cooking. You can even sample food made in the original 200-year-old kitchen and learn about period crafts, like tatting, a technique for knotting thread to create durable, lacy fabric.
During your visit to the fort, meander the beautiful grounds and check out the El Camino Real de los Tejas. Once dubbed the “Royal Road,” this National Historic Trail runs from the Los Adaes State Historic Site near Natchitoches through Texas and all the way to Mexico City. A portion of this trail also follows the Louisiana Colonial Trails Scenic Byway.
Explore Toledo Bend Lake Country.
Wearin’ of the Green Parade
March 15
Baton Rouge
Rock your best shamrock green for the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the region. The Wearin’ of the Green Parade rolls through Louisiana’s Capital City and highlights more than 70 floats, dancing groups, bands and dignitaries.
After the festival, take the family to Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and explore the city’s wild side. Venture along gravel and boardwalk paths to glimpse racoons, armadillos and otters, or check out the nature program for live animal encounters and special events.
Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday
March 16
New Orleans
Known for their elaborate masks and costumes made with colorful feathers and handcrafted beading, the Mardi Gras Indians are an iconic — and historical — part of the Carnival season. If you missed them roll through the city on Fat Tuesday, see them during their electrifying Super Sunday procession.
Arrive in the Big Easy early — and wear your favorite green outfit — to catch Irish-themed throws and watch the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade march through town. Wanna see the Crescent City beyond the parade route? Eat, drink, bike or ride your way through New Orleans on one of many tour options.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
